Lille – Borussia Dortmund: Kovac’s Tweaks Send Dortmund to the Quarter-Finals (1-2)
After a balanced first leg, Niko Kovac’s subtle changes in Dortmund’s attack proved decisive in Lille. Karim Adeyemi’s roaming role stretched Lille’s defense just enough to find the gaps Dortmund needed to advance.
Tactical analysis and match report by Bergas Agung.
After eight Round of Sixteen first legs, this tie was the only one to end in a draw. Lille and Dortmund finished seventh and tenth, respectively, in the league phase – reflecting how evenly matched they had been throughout the competition. A narrow contest was always likely.
Bruno Génésio made just one change to his Lille team following the 1-1 draw in Dortmund. The experienced Rémy Cabella came into the starting eleven, replacing Ethan Mbappé. Having impressed against Montpellier at the weekend, Cabella’s inclusion added a layer of control and decision-making in possession.
Dortmund boss Niko Kovac had to reshuffle slightly. Waldemar Anton replaced the injured Daniel Svensson in the back three, and Maximilian Beier came into the frontline, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens dropping to the bench. These moves hinted at Kovac’s intention to tilt the balance of the midfield further forward, with Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Groß positioned to support higher up the pitch.
Dortmund’s shape, Lille’s early exploits
Dortmund’s shape in possession was clear: a 3-2-5 formation. Anton joined Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck at the back. Wing-back Julian Ryerson pushed high on the left, while Karim Adeyemi did the same on the right. Beier and Julian Brandt occupied the half-spaces, with Serhou Guirassy leading the line.
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